Argentina is extremely geographically diverse, with landscapes ranging from icy tundra to lush rainforest. As a result, in Argentina nature is extremely important. Recently, the Argentine government has put more emphasis on protecting the nation’s astonishing natural beauty. Today, the nation has 37 national parks covering nearly four million hectares of land. In the last decade, eight new parks have been established, covering a further 400,000 hectares. Extending from the tropical north to the Patagonian wilderness, Argentina’s national parks have a wealth of natural wonders to explore. In this article, we profile three of Argentina’s nature reserves from the Lake District to the Patagonian fjords.
1. Los Glaciares
Los Glaciares National Park is in the Austral Andes of southwest Argentina, close to the Chilean border. The park features several stunning natural wonders, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, an enormous 18-mile long glacier. Towering above the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, this huge ice formation is the third largest reserve of freshwater in the world. Visitors can marvel at the glacier from a viewing platform or more intrepid explorers can book onto ice trekking tours. Furthermore, the park is also home to the mighty Mount Fitz Roy. Straddling the border between Argentina and Chile, the mountain’s sheer cliffs are reportedly a more challenging climb than Everest.
2. Tierra del Fuego
The Tierra del Fuego is the oldest coastal nature reserve in Argentina. Attracting thousands of visitors every year to marvel at the mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, and glaciers, the park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Argentina nature reserves. Covering an enormous 156,000-acre area from the Beagle Channel to the Chilean border, there are numerous hiking trails where visitors can explore the dramatic landscape. For instance, one of the most popular is Senda Costera. As part of this coastal walk from Ensenada Bay to Lago Roca, hikers can spot the park’s rich wildlife, including guanacos and Andean condors.
3. Nahuel Huapi National Park
Argentina’s Lake District features some of the most spectacular views in the entire country. Many of these can be enjoyed from the quaint town of Bariloche, which has a reputation as a mecca for adventurers. Adjacent to the town is one of the largest ski resorts in South America, offering everything from snow sports to hiking. However, the highlight of Bariloche is undoubtedly its location nestled in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Encompassing everything from glaciers to volcanoes, Nahuel Huapi is a spectacular place to camp, hike, cycle, kayak, and climb.
More Argentina nature reserves to discover
In Argentina nature and wildlife are abundant. From soaring mountains to gigantic glaciers, some of the world’s most breathtaking landscape is in Argentina. However, the selection we run through here only skims the surface of the astounding natural beauty the country has to offer. It would take a lifetime to explore every corner of the nation’s 37 national parks – but the above is an incredible place to start. For more information about Australis tours of the Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia, click here to download our brochure.
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